Bronx Clinics Could Lose Medicaid Funding

Patients cheer as Espada assures there will be "no burial" for the clinics, and calls the investigation unwarranted.

A network of health clinics in the Bronx founded by embattled former state senate majority leader Pedro Espada, could be headed for shut down. Soundview HealthCare Network could reportedly lose millions in Medicaid funding as the state investigates its finances.

A rally at one of the clinics was held on Tuesday. Patients circulated petitions asking Governor Andrew Cuomo to “keep politics out of Soundview HealthCare” while some carried signs demanding that the clinic stay open.

Espada was joined by fellow board members, doctors, patients, and elected officials calling for an end to what he sees as an assault on the Bronx health clinics, which serve thousands of low-income Bronx residents.

Dr. Rufus Sadler has worked at the clinic for three years, but has been a resident of the Bronx for over 20 years. He said the borough is being unlawfully attacked.

“This is a community that needs good healthcare, we cannot let politics and catfights damage the services that are needed to be delivered here in this community,” said Doctor Sadler.

Bronx state Senator Ruben Diaz said if the money evaporates and the clinics shutdown, it would be tragic for the community.

“We will stand here and support this clinic. This clinic is needed in this community, and this clinic is providing good services…Stop, Stop it already!”

The case against Soundview began last year when then-Attorney General Andrew Cuomo accused Espada and his son of stealing from their clinics to support a lavish lifestyle.

Espada claims the charges are politically motivated and “unjust and unwarranted.”